Has anyone had Rivian NOT recommend the 3 year brake flush?

[hayduke]

My R1T is about 3.5 years old / 43k miles and I’ve been meaning to get it in for the 3 year recommended brake flush as described in the maintenance schedule.

I considered doing myself or taking it to an independent shop but after reading on this forum the custom tools and complicated procedure that are needed to flush the brake system it sounded like the Rivian Service Center was the best if not only option.

After it’s been there for a few days for some other issues they updated the service ticket to say that the fluid level is fine and the pads are level annd the corrosion level is near zero and as a result no flush is needed.

Has anyone else experienced this, It seems to directly contradict the maintenance schedule so I’m confused how they could have made this determination.

Complicating matters I live fairly far from a service center / appointments are hard to get so if it doesn’t need a flush now, will it in 6 months or a year?

i’m curious if anyone else has had a similar experience or if there’s anything they know of that would allow Rivian to make the determination that a brake flush is not needed even well after the three year service interval

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[Nixapatfan]

Sounds like they just didn't want to do it. The only reason they recommend you do a flush is because brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air or you cooked your brakes and burned the fluid. You can't really tell how much water brake fluid has absorbed by looking at it so sounds like they just don't want to service it. Tell them you are paying for it so they need to do it.

As for do you really need to flush it at 3 years, maybe many people go an entire vehicle lifetime without ever doing it, you just need to be aware of what it means to not do it. Could end up with fluid boiling in extreme braking events or the caliper pistons rust internally and bind, neither scenario is good as it results in poor braking performance in extreme situations but you may never notice the impact of this in normal driving for many years.

 

[TexasBob]

bah humbug. $18 and15 minutes.
https://a.co/d/cwSpnaw

 

[Nixapatfan]

bah humbug. $18 and15 minutes.
https://a.co/d/cwSpnaw

Sorry I've been living under a rock. Now I have to go buy one!

 

[akc5247]

bah humbug. $18 and15 minutes.
https://a.co/d/cwSpnaw

Thanks! Where and how do you use it? (Explain like I'm 5 version)

 

[TexasBob]

Thanks! Where and how do you use it? (Explain like I'm 5 version)

Courtesy of Gemini:

Important Warning: Brake fluid is highly corrosive to paint. The Rivian R1T’s reservoir is tucked under plastic trim, so handle the fluid tester carefully to avoid dripping on the "frunk" panels or the exterior bodywork.

1. Preparation

• Park on a level surface: Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
• Open the Frunk: Open the front trunk completely.
• Identify the Maintenance Panel: You need to remove the plastic cowl panel that spans the width of the vehicle, located directly between the frunk tub and the windshield wipers.
  • Note: This panel covers the 12V batteries, the cabin air filter intake, and the brake fluid reservoir.

2. Accessing the Reservoir

1. Remove the Cowl Panel:
   • This panel is held in place by tension clips.
   • Gently pry up on the leading edge of the panel (the side closest to you/the frunk tub). You can usually do this by hand or with a plastic trim removal tool.
   • Lift it straight up to release the clips.
   • Tip: Set the panel aside on a soft surface (like a towel in the frunk bed) to avoid scratching it.
2. Locate the Reservoir:
   • Look for a translucent white tank with a black or yellow cap. It is typically located on the driver's side (left side) of the compartment, near the firewall.
   • Verify the cap text; it should specify DOT 4 (Rivian typically uses DOT 4 Low Viscosity / Class 6).

3. Testing with the Electronic Tester

1. Clean the Cap: Before opening, wipe the reservoir cap with a clean, lint-free rag. This prevents debris from falling into the system.
2. Set Up the Tester:
   • Turn on your electronic brake fluid tester.
   • Select DOT 4 mode (if your tester has selectable modes).
3. Test:
   • Unscrew the reservoir cap.
   • Immerse the metal probes of the tester completely into the fluid.
   • Wait 1-2 seconds for the reading to stabilize.
   • Avoid touching probes to the reservoir walls
   • Do not leave probes submerged longer than necessary
     
4. Interpret Results (tester will tell you green vs yellow may vary with tester):
   • Green (0% - <1%): Fluid is in excellent condition.
   • Yellow (1% - 3%): Moisture is present but acceptable. Plan to change it soon (typically within 6 months).
   • Red (>3%): Fluid has failed. It has absorbed too much water, lowering the boiling point. Action Required:Schedule a flush.

4. Reassembly

1. Secure the Cap: Tighten the reservoir cap firmly by hand.
2. Replace the Panel:
   • Align the tabs on the underside of the cowl panel with the slots in the vehicle frame.
   • Press down firmly along the length of the panel until you hear the clips snap back into place. Ensure it sits flush with the windshield cowl and the frunk tub.

 

[Time2Roll]

I might worry more in the humid south-east. I believe Mammoth area is generally low humidity.

 

[hayduke]

so if you guys think that’s legit? Should I just pick up the truck and check again in like maybe a year if it needs a brake flush? I called the national number and they were pretty vague about maintenance as well and seemed very deferential to the individual service centers.

I may just be harboring some low level annoyance because after months of trying to get it to the service center, they say the logs are too old to diagnose the cruise control throwing internal faults.

I didn’t realize you could test brake fluid.

 

[Nixapatfan]

The flush is more of a precautionary measure than a must do so your call on if you want it done or not. If it's a lease skip it, if you plan to keep it long term than you probably should do it at some point.

 

[VSG]

I just went ahead and did it, and I plan to do it again in another 3 years, whether the fluid is technically still within spec or not. I don't want to have to bother to continually remember to check the fluid - I will just follow the recommended schedule and have it done when I have my tires rotated, so no extra trip to the service center is needed.

 

[Gasmiser12]

I just went ahead and did it, and I plan to do it again in another 3 years, whether the fluid is technically still within spec or not. I don't want to have to bother to continually remember to check the fluid - I will just follow the recommended schedule and have it done when I have my tires rotated, so no extra trip to the service center is needed.

What was the price paid for the brake fluid flush @ Rivian Service?

 

[VSG]

See https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/anyone-had-brake-service-fluid-replaced-done-cost.53365/

 

[strykerwsu]

Unless tracking your vehicle or live in an extreme climate, 99% of people will be fine for a good 8+ years never flushing brake fluid. If you want peace of mind the listed item above is a great easy way to do it and save unneeded expense as well as waste perfectly good brake fluid.

 

[Holler Wanderer]

I took mine in for a flush today and they said it wasn't needed until about 50k miles. Mine only has 16k miles but is going to be 3 years old in April.

 

[Ilovejunebugs]

When my first R1T hit 3 years old I scheduled it, but the service center told me it wasn't necessary at that time. Truck only had 18k miles though.

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